
When reporting on accidents and crimes, and especially in cases involving victims or fatalities, journalists bear a great ethical responsibility. The following are guidelines that journalists and media platforms can use to report respectfully, carefully and ethically.
1. Respect for Privacy
- Anonymity: Do not include names, addresses or other identifying information of data subjects without explicit consent or a compelling public interest.
- Vulnerable Groups: Treat children, victims and survivors with extra care and avoid unnecessary details that could compromise their privacy or safety.
- Ethnicity or Background: Avoid mentioning the ethnic background or religion of those involved unless it is essential to the story.
2. Caring about Fatalities.
- Contact with Relatives: Contact next of kin only after they have had sufficient time to grieve and stabilize emotionally.
- Mention of Names: Publish the names of deceased persons only after official confirmation and permission from the next of kin.
- Language: Use respectful language that respects the dignity of the deceased and the feelings of the bereaved.
3. Fact Checking and Balance Sheet
- Correctness of Information: Check all facts carefully before publishing. Avoid speculation, especially about causes or blame.
- Hearing and Responding: Give all parties involved a chance to tell their side of the story, including suspects, police, and any witnesses.
- No Sensationalism: Focus on the facts and avoid sensationalized or exaggerated descriptions that may fuel fear, hatred or division.
4. Images and Visuals
- Respectful Imagery: Do not use shocking or graphic images of victims or incidents unless it is essential to the story and with explicit warning.
- Consent: Get permission from those involved or next of kin before publishing photos or videos.
- Blur or Hide: Hide faces and other identifiable characteristics of victims and suspects when anonymity is needed.
5. Impact on Society
- Avoidance of Instigation: Do not use language that sets groups against each other or causes incitement.
- Constructive Messaging: Focus not only on the incident itself, but also on preventive solutions or broader lessons that can help the community.
6. Communication with Police and Emergency Services
- Collaboration: Work with police and emergency services to obtain accurate information without disrupting their work.
- Avoid Hindering: Keep your distance from the scene of the incident so as not to impede emergency responders.
- Official Statements: Use official statements as a basis and clearly state when information comes from unofficial sources.
7. Dealing with Relatives and Witnesses.
- Empathy and Respect: Approach next of kin and witnesses with empathy and respect for their emotional state.
- Voluntariness: Let them decide if and how they want to contribute to the story, without pressure.
- No Unnecessary Burden: Avoid unnecessary interviews or questions that may cause emotional damage.
8. Transparency to the Public
- Explain Your Choices: Be open about why certain information was included or omitted.
- Correct Errors: Promptly and transparently publish corrections when incorrect information has been disseminated.
9. Suicide or Emotionally Charged Incidents.
- Discretion: Limit details about suicide to avoid imitation effects (the so-called Werther effect).
- Focus on Help: In messaging, refer to resources such as helplines or support organizations.
Conclusion
These guidelines provide a framework for journalistic reporting that is respectful, ethical and careful, even in the most sensitive situations. By following these principles, journalists can contribute to an informed society without causing undue harm to individuals or communities.